New augmented reality and robotic based methods for head-surgery.

Within the framework of the collaborative research centre "Information Technology in Medicine--Computer and Sensor-Aided Surgery" (SFB414) new methods for intraoperative computer assistance of surgical procedures are being developed. The developed tools will be controlled by an intraoperative host which provides interfaces to the electronic health record (EHR) and intraoperative computer assisted instruments.The interaction is based on standardised communication protocols. Plug & work functions will allow easy integration and configuration of new components. Intraoperative systems currently under development are intraoperative augmented reality (AR) using a projector and via a microscope, a planning system for definition of complex trajectories and a surgical robot system. The developed systems are under clinical evaluation and showing promising results in their application. Copyright 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.